From the Rolls-Royce experimental archive: a quarter of a million communications from Rolls-Royce, 1906 to 1960's. Documents from the Sir Henry Royce Memorial Foundation (SHRMF).
Reduction of engine weight by substituting parts with aluminium.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 3\3\ 03-page075 | |
| Date | 1st August 1922 | |
| E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} Department. Reduction of Weight. In making examination of the engine with a view to reducing its weight it is seen that this project may not be easily accomplished by any local re-designing without sacrifice of efficiency. The employment of lighter material for some parts presents itself as an alternative, but this is not always to be recommended as experience has shown that aluminium, sand or die finished, is liable to give trouble owing to its porosity. Rather by a detailed reduction in weight may the desired result be obtained - the removal or reduction in thickness of low-stressed metal. We may expect to find in some cases that the various components do not exactly follow the drawings, and alterations where possible could be made accordingly. The following parts might be made in aluminium :- 1. Fan bracket. [Handwritten: Possibly altered & combined dynamo may be used] 2. Low-tension mechanism cover on distributor. [Handwritten: yes] 3. Oil catcher at rear of magneto drive. [Handwritten: yes] 4. Plug at front of magneto drive. [Handwritten: Pump removed & therefore might not be reqd] 5. Water pump gland nut. [Handwritten: no] 6. Clips for magneto wire tubes. 7. Oil filler - die cast with gunmetal bush for filling cap in position. [Handwritten: yes] | ||